Grace Lukas’ Battle: Defending Community Land Rights from Corporate Grip

 

The Indigenous Dayak people of Kalimantan now find themselves up against a wall of power that resists them at every turn. Doc. Grace Lukas.

🌍 DAYAK TODAY  |  SEKADAU: Grace Lukas, a resolute woman from the Mualang tribe, is facing one of the biggest challenges of her life: protecting her community’s land from corporate claims. 

Alongside her fellow villagers, she has formally submitted a request to the Badan Pertanahan Nasional (BPN) - National Land Agency (BPN) at the district level, seeking certification for land that has been inhabited and cultivated for decades.

Land dispute, corporate resistance, villagers seek justice

However, their struggle has been anything but smooth. The corporation holding the Hak Guna Usaha (HGU) - Right to Cultivate permit over the disputed land has filed a counterclaim, urging BPN to delay the certification process for local homes and farms. This move has sparked widespread concern among the villagers, who have been planting key crops on their own land for the past 30 years without receiving any compensation from the company.

“We are in the process of remapping all community land to ensure that our rights are not ignored. No more land grabbing without accountability. Corporations cannot continue to hold onto our land without considering the rights of the local people,” Lukas asserted.

According to her, any extension of HGU permits must prioritize the community’s interests, not just corporate profits. If the renewal of these permits causes harm to the people, negotiations should take place—or the permits should be revoked altogether.

“We are not against investment or corporate presence, but above all, our rights must be upheld. We cannot allow people to lose their homes, lands, and livelihoods,” she added.

Grace Lukas' fight is now drawing national attention. Several civil society organizations have voiced their support, urging authorities to ensure justice in land ownership. Meanwhile, expectations are mounting on BPN to remain impartial and resist corporate influence when deciding on the villagers' request.

Bribery, resistance, perseverance—Dayak fight injustice

Beyond legal battles, Lukas has also faced shocking attempts to silence her. “This feels like an open declaration of war against our community. I refuse to be silenced. Someone once brought 500 million rupiah in cash to my house, with no explanation of its purpose. When I asked, they simply said, ‘Use it however you wish.’ This is an outright attempt to manipulate and silence me,” she said firmly.

Despite mounting pressure, Lukas and her community remain steadfast in their fight for justice. Their hope is that this battle will not only secure their own rights but also set a precedent for other Indigenous communities facing similar struggles.

The Indigenous Dayak people of Kalimantan now find themselves up against a wall of power that resists them at every turn. Advocacy and strength are needed: strength that carries the spirit of justice and humanity. But who will step forward?

“Pray for us. All we want is for our rights to be recognized and respected,” Grace concluded with unwavering determination. 

(X-5/dayaktoday.com)